Procedure for Dispensing Private Prescriptions for Controlled Drugs

Published: 27th May 2026

Our colleagues at the GPhC Inspectorate have asked us to pass on a friendly reminder as to the procedures required for Community Pharmacies to appropriately deal with Private Prescriptions for Controlled Drugs.

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Private Prescriptions for Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 Controlled Drugs (CDs) should be issued on designated PPCD(1) forms in Scotland. HDL(2006)27 issued instructions on the arrangements for prescribing of Schedule 2 and 3 CDs by private prescribers, this included the requirement for information on private prescriptions for CDs to be collected on a similar basis to that for NHS primary care prescriptions. This led to the following:

• The pharmacy which dispenses the PPCD(1) should submit the form(s) to NSS

• PPCD (1) forms should be accompanied by a CD34 submission form . For a supply of CD34 forms, please email nss.pcfs-businessupport@nhs.scot or call 01506 705101.

• NHS Boards will be able to request retrieval of individual prescription forms. There is a legal requirement to submit all prescriptions for Schedule 2 and 3 CDs to PSD Scotland following completion of dispensing, including private prescriptions. The purpose of this is to enable the accurate monitoring and review of controlled drug prescribing by all prescribers, and to ensure that patients are managed safely.  

• A copy of the PPCD(1) form should be kept in the pharmacy

• All records should be maintained as appropriate in the pharmacy.

• Similarly, private requisitions of controlled drugs must be written on standardised CDRF forms, with a similar process for the prescriber to follow to obtain the forms.

Further information is available here: HDL (2006)27: Safer Management of Controlled Drugs (CDs): Private CD Prescriptions and Changes to NHS Prescriptions , and the detail is summarised in the flow chart below:

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What form should be used for private prescriptions for Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 Controlled Drugs in Scotland?

  Private prescriptions for Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 Controlled Drugs should be issued on a designated PPCD(1) form in Scotland.

• Why do private Controlled Drug prescriptions need to be submitted to NSS?

  There is a legal requirement for all prescriptions for Schedule 2 and 3 Controlled Drugs, including private prescriptions, to be submitted after dispensing. This supports accurate monitoring and review of Controlled Drug prescribing and helps ensure patients are managed safely.

• What should the pharmacy do after dispensing a PPCD(1) prescription?

  Once dispensing is complete, the pharmacy should submit the PPCD(1) form to NSS for processing.